Five High-Paying Jobs in Allied Health

Allied health professionals play a vital role in the healthcare industry and are in high demand in Australia. We covered five popular and well-paying jobs in allied health and their job descriptions, skills required, and the process of becoming a professional in these industries.

So, whether you’re a student exploring your career options or a professional looking to make a change, it’s time to find out which career in allied health is right for you.

Psychology is an exciting and fulfilling profession that gives you the opportunity to touch people’s lives in a positive way. As a psychologist, you’ll explore human behavior and emotions, and work with people to help them overcome mental health issues and improve overall well-being. Be prepared for new challenges as you assess patients, create treatment plans, and provide therapy – all with the goal of making a lasting difference.

Stand out in this role by having good communication skills, a solid understanding of mental health and human behavior, and the ability to keep things confidential. Strong ethics and a professional attitude are essential to achieve success in this meaningful and rewarding career

You’ll need to:

• Prepare for a career in psychology by completing a certificate or short course in psychology
• Complete an accredited qualification such as a Bachelor of Psychology.
  

• After graduating, obtain your general registration through an internship program or postgraduate work experience.
  

• Choose your specialised pathway and seek Area of Practice Endorsement (AoPE) via the registrar program.

As a nutritionist, you have the ability to make a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing through the power of food and nutrition. Every day will be an opportunity to help individuals reach their health goals by conducting assessments, creating personalised nutrition plans, and educating them on healthy eating habits.

To thrive in this impactful career, strong communication skills, a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest nutrition research, and the ability to inspire and motivate others is key. Having a solid foundation in science, particularly in biology and biochemistry, is also an asset to help you succeed

You’ll need to:

• Complete a formal education such as a Bachelors of Nutrition, Certificate IV in Allied Health (Nutrition) or Diploma of Nutrition.
  

• After graduating, register with a professional organisation, such as the Nutrition Society of Australia, to practice as a nutritionist. However, a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification is required to join.
  

• Advance and develop your skills by gaining relevant work experience in the industry

Step into a fulfilling career as a counsellor and become a beacon of hope for those seeking to enhance their mental health and overall well-being. You will be supporting individuals, couples, and families in overcoming their challenges and improving their overall happiness. Day-to-day tasks include conducting assessments, crafting tailored therapy plans, and providing individual or group therapy.

To excel in this compassionate field, strengthen your communication skills, always focus on  empathy, and deepen your knowledge of mental health and human behavior. Additionally, upholding high ethical, professional, and confidential standards is key to a thriving and successful career in this role.

You’ll need to:

• Complete an accredited qualification such as a Diploma of Counselling.

• After graduating, consider getting your professional accreditation by registering with a professional organisation, such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), to practice and network as a counsellor.

• Find job opportunities in your preferred organisation and sector

Make a real difference in people’s lives and physical health as a physiotherapist. Become a key player in aiding patients’ recoveries from injuries and managing chronic conditions. Your daily tasks range from assessing and developing personalised treatment plans to hands-on therapy, and using your skills and knowledge to improve physical health and mobility.

To succeed in this career, it’s important to have strong communication skills, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others. Furthermore, a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, and proficiency in manual therapy techniques will set you up for success.

You’ll need to:

• Prepare for a career in physiotherapy by completing a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy) (HLT43015) which can typically take up to 12 months to complete.
  
• Complete a Bachelors degree in Physiotherapy.

• After graduating, register with the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) and pass a national accreditation examination.

• Complete mandatory professional work experience. This is required for physiotherapists to maintain their registration.

Allied health assistants support the day-to-day operations and management of healthcare facilities. They work to ensure efficiency, quality service, and compliance with regulations. Effective teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills are vital in this role.

If you’re looking to excel in this role, adaptability is crucial in healthcare due to its dynamic nature, while maintaining high ethical standards. Above all, genuine compassion and dedication to patient care are pivotal.

You’ll need to:

• Study a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, which can typically take up to 12 months to complete.

• After completing your studies, gain practical experience through internships and entry-level positions.

The demand for skilled allied health professionals in Australia is growing rapidly. There are many high-paying career options available in allied health, each with their own set of qualifications, skills, and training requirements.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a psychologist, nutritionist, counsellor, physiotherapist, or allied health assistant, there’s a role that aligns with your passions and strengths.

So go out there and make a difference! Browse the best courses in allied health.